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Updated: 9:03 AM Oct 23, 2007
Two Members of "The McKameys" Back on Stage After Kidney Transplant
Knoxville (WVLT) - It's been three weeks since 13 year old Eli Fortner received a kidney from his father, Roger. And now they are finally back on stage with the southern gospel group "The McKameys".
Posted: 5:10 PM Oct 22, 2007 |
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Knoxville (WVLT) - It's been three weeks since 13 year old Eli Fortner received a kidney from his father, Roger.
It's a surgery that has changed their lives and now they are finally back on stage with the southern gospel group "The McKameys".
Volunteer TV's Allison Hunt sat down with the Fortner's to talk about their recovery.
Roger and Eli Fortner can finally get back to their music.
Besides sharing their love of gospel, they now share something else.
Rogers says, "Eli got my left kidney and they put it in and it began to work instantly, it started working and it's working pretty well."
In fact, doctors say the surgery was almost text book perfect. A huge relief for Roger.
"My wife tells me the first thing i said probably when i came to is how's Eli? And she kept telling me he's fine, he's doing great."
The first thing Eli asked for? His big glass of sweet tea.
"How was it?" "Great!"
It's been a long road to get here.
Since he was a baby, Eli has had kidney problems.
This surgery is life changing.
Roger says, "It's almost like we've had this thing happen in our life and we're on the back side of it and our lives are trying to get back to normal."
Normal is now how Eli feels.
"I'm feeling better than I was before."
He says it's a little weird having his father's kidney, but Roger doesn't dwell on it.
"Occasionally i'll think of that and i'll think, yea it's in there, but he's doing great."
So great, they're ready to grab their guitars and get back on stage with The McKamey's.
Eli says, "It's fun! You get the energy from being on stage and from all them people it's just a lot of fun playing."
And Eli's not being shy about taking sympathy.
"Eli is there anything else you want to say? No, but i'm still taking sweet teas!"
The Fortner's say they're extremely thankful for all of the cards and e-mails they've received showing support.
To find out where the McKamey's will be next, log on to our webchannel, click on the link below.
Latest Comments
I WANTED YOU ALL TO KNOW THAT GOD USES YOU TO KEEP ME . STRONG IN HIM. I LOVE ALL OF YOU.I WILL ALWAYS PRAY FOR YOU.
Wow! I am still amazed by God's grace. I was doing a websearch for your website and ran across the news. I am so grateful to God for taking care of you both and supplying Eli's and the families' needs. I was wondering if and when you'd be at East Hills Baptist Church in Bartlett, TN again. Well, I can see you again when you are able to come, if I find out the date in advance. I just want you to take care and heal from your many years of trials. God bless you all. I love you all in Christ. Your songs carried my husband through his 7 yr. battle of heart failure and on to glory! He would just shout right along with you and Peg when he played your songs. Thanks for proclaiming the good news in music and the spiritual inspiration and encouragement to the saints. Look forward to seeing you in concert again, Lord willing. Jo, Bartlett, TN
Hi Eli and Roger..praise God for His great blessings....I am so very happy to hear the news on the both of you. You are both servants of our great and awesome God.I know how medical conditions can be so life altering. Your testimony on all you have been through will reach many. I know that God is going to use this difficult time for good and that others will come to Him as a result. I praise God for all of you and I look foward to seeing all of in concert again one day...I will keep you in prayer. I am sure Connie is so relieved that it all has gone so well. God is in control of all..and He uses it for His glory if we let Him. I know He will with your testimony. I can just imagine Peg now...jumping and singing and smiling and crying tears of joy..absolute joy.I rejoice with all of you...and send a big hug to each of you...Love Myrtle
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